Author's Note: I really wanted to write something Christmas-ey and stupidly goofy for the holidays, but didn't finish it in time. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ninjalogy

By: Mad Betrayal

Chapter 23 ~ The Wonders of Eggnog (1)

You know that friend that only became a "friend" because he helped you out that one time when you needed, when all your other real friends couldn't help because of some other shenanigans was going on? And said "friend" had a grating personality that worked your nerves if you were exposed to it for more than ten minutes?

Yeah. To Lloyd, that was Dareth.

Dareth was a plump senior with an obnoxious and slurred voice, who adored brown jumpsuits and had really bad 70's hair. But for some reason (he really didn't know the reason), he was the most popular guy at Ninjago High.

So it was with a deadpanned expression when he had accepted an invitation from the Brown Eyesore to attend his "Super Spectacular Christmas Eve Party" (or SSCEP for short) in the hallway after 4th Period. It had been more or less shoved into his hands honestly and delivered with a really stupid, "I Dareth you to attend, Lloyd" (Yes, you heard right. He uses his own name as a pun.) and an even stupider wink.

Lloyd had been about ready to spit his gum in it and toss it in the nearby garbage can when something had made him stop dead in his tracks and stare. While other eager junior hands had been reaching with rabid fervor and drool for the overweight senior to grace them with his gaudy invitations, he never expected the Brown Eyesore to approach…him.

Him being…Brad Tudabone. (And yes, his name is a pun too. But to Lloyd it was a sexy pun.) Brad had been a late transfer into the school, only arriving a mere three months ago in late September. But ever since then—ever since Lloyd had first laid eyes on him, he'd been struck dumb with attraction.

People could lie if they want and say some shit like "Looks aren't important" or whatever. But when you see someone from afar, you don't think to yourself "Oh, they look like they have a great personality!" No, it's the physical features of that person that gives you that first pull towards them. And for Lloyd, Brad might as well have been a black hole.

To put it simply, Brad was fuckin' hot!

Long raven hair, golden skin, stunning aquamarine eyes, full pouty lips, and a short slender body.

Damn! He looked so good, Lloyd just wanted to put him on a plate and sop him up with a biscuit!

But unfortunately, God had other plans and conspired against the blond. For one, the ravenette was only in one of his eight classes, World Mythology. And World Mythology just happened to be the only subject he was failing so he had to pay attention. Two, Brad's locker was stationed at the opposite end of the hallway and the ravenette never idled around long enough for Lloyd to get to him before he was ambling off to his next class or whatever. And three—the most damning of all…Brad had a boyfriend already.

Yep, within a single month Mr. Class President himself, Christopher Winner, had wrapped his slimy, pompous coils around the unsuspecting, beautiful transfer student.

Yeah, so…yeah.

But anyway, there he had stood, dumbfounded and flummoxed at the sight of the Brown Eyesore making a theatrical showing of himself giving an invitation to not only Brad but to Chris too.

Fuck.

That had been weeks ago before Christmas break. And no, he hadn't gone home crying to his mother about the injustice of it all. Well, not his real mother anyway (and not really crying, more like cursing), but mother-figure of sorts, since Lloyd never had a mother. A senior—a lovely blue-eyed brunet named Jay, had consoled and informed him that he and the rest of his senior friends had received invitations also from the Brown Eyesore and would be attending the party as well.

Now flash forward to a couple of hours before the party at Kai's house, where they all had decided to meet before heading off together for the Brown Eyesore's abode.

Though the party was in no way a formal affair, they were all swagged out and dressed to impress nonetheless. Lloyd adjusted the rolled up cuffs of his green, button down dress shirt for the umpteenth time and checked his hair in the mirror. In his humble opinion, he looked good.

The shirt was slim fit and went well with his blue jeans and belt and other accessories of the black band kind. He turned a wary eye, though, to his green pea coat flung over Kai's couch that he had brought along to ward off the winter wonderland plaguing the city, and started to doubt for the first time the over excessiveness of his favorite color.

After all, the last thing he wanted to look like in front of Brad was the Green Eyesore.

"You look great, Lloyd. Don't worry so much." Hands found purchase on his shoulders and Lloyd looked up to see Jay's pretty, freckled face reflected in the mirror. The blue ninja smiled gently. "If he hasn't noticed you by now, he most definitely will today."

Lloyd turned around, returning a grateful grin at his kaasan's support. Jay was dressed conservatively as usual, adorned in his blue coat and orange scarf even indoors. Good humored and good natured, sapphire eyes gleamed approvingly at Lloyd's appearance.

"So what? Are you just gonna hope he notices you, or do you plan on fightin' for 'im?"

Of course such a brusque comment would come from Kai. The fire ninja lounged on his sofa in the living room, eyeing Lloyd with an expectant look. Decked out in baggy leather pants and a red muscle shirt, Kai feared neither ice nor snow with his elemental powers at work keeping his body at an even and constant 98.6°F. His numerous belts, buckles and gold chains glinted when he shifted, catching the light. He smirked deviously when Lloyd frowned in thought.

"It's not like Winner's a friend or somethin', right? So all's fair in love and war."

Lloyd had thought about that too—fighting for Brad's affection. But what if he was happy with Chris? No doubt the guy was a manipulative slime ball, but he could be a totally different person around Brad. A wolf in sheep's clothing and all that. But how would Brad respond to such a course of action?

Would Lloyd be seen as a valiant romantic or a homewrecker?

"But he can't just ignore the fact that Brad's in a relationship already, Kai," Jay said seriously, and Lloyd looked to his mother-figure. "He has to be considerate of people's feelings."

Kai rolled his golden-amber eyes. "Hey, sometimes it's best to be aggressive in these kinds of situations. If you like somebody and you see that their current squeeze is nothin' but a farce and they could do better, why shouldn't you step in and prove that you're that better option?"

"I would advise against comparing Lloyd's situation with ours, love."

Zane's smooth as silk and matter-of-fact voice sounded as the white ninja glided into the living room from the kitchen, carrying a tray stacked with mugs. Kai noticeably sat up straighter upon Zane's entrance, his gaze smoldering as it hungrily roved up and down the eldest's white-encased figure.

Zane was the embodiment of poise and sophistication. With his perfectly starched white slacks, polished white oxfords and snug-fitted, white sweater subtly printed with ice blue snowflakes, he could easily make heads turn. When he sat the tray down on the table in front of the couch, Kai made an unabashed showing of leaning forward to ogle the white ninja's ass, smirking all the while.

Zane sat next to Kai and the fire ninja wrapped an arm around his opposite, bringing him close and planting a loving kiss on his lips. The two were as different as night and day, but found balance by playing off each other's strengths and weaknesses. They've been together since they were sophomores, and obviously intended to stay together.

When the two parted, Kai moved forward again to nuzzle the white ninja's neck. They both didn't know the meaning of shame and were all for PDA regardless of the setting or circumstance.

"Just sayin', babe."

Zane grinned. "Yes, well, your interference in my relationship with Trevor was not exactly courteous or remotely debonair."

Kai leaned back, a challenging smirk playing on his lips. "I saved you, didn't I?"

"I am not contesting that fact. All I am saying is that Lloyd should find love his own way, whatever that may be."

"Yeah, yeah," Kai sighed, but then nodded to a lone black figure sitting in a Sloth-Man recliner. "What do you think, Cole?"

The ninja leader gave a noncommittal shrug and took his hands out of his black hoodie to reach forward and grab one the mugs off the tray. Black, black, and more black. The only thing that made the earth ninja stand out were his emerald green eyes, and his prized silver headphones hanging around his neck. The small silver gauges in his ears and silver wallet chain dangling from a pocket of his black pants were mere afterthoughts to his nonchalant demeanor.

"Just go for it," he said evenly. "What do you got to lose? If he refuses you, move on. If he doesn't, move on together. Relationships are only as complicated as the people involved make them."

Lloyd took notice of Jay's rueful grin and couldn't stop his heart from aching at the sight of it. His beloved kaasan had confided him a few years back about his crush on the ninja leader, but knew that his feelings were unrequited as Cole had proven he wasn't gay by dating a plethora of girls over the years. Though he was currently unattached, Lloyd could easily imagine him hooking up with some random girl at Dareth's party before the night was over.

Ultimately, his words seemed to resonate with not just Lloyd but Jay as well, as the latter ducked his head in a sort of minute nod.

Move on.

Lloyd moved forward to grab two of the mugs from the tray and handed one to Jay, while Kai and Zane took the remaining two. He looked down at the yellow, creamy substance topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Eggnog.

"The perfect holiday beverage," Zane clarified after taking a sip. "I thought it would serve well to cleanse our palettes before the party, as I have heard through the metaphorical grapevine that Dareth plans on serving alcohol to us underage minors at the party in order to liven up the festivities."

The other four stare at him blankly as he takes another sip.

"And I must admit, my friends, I am really looking forward to discovering if I am able to get as they say…hammered."

*~Ninjalogy~*

There was eggnog at the party. There was practically bowls and bowls of it in every lavishly decorated, Christmas-themed room, Lloyd ventured to in his search for Brad. Dareth's parents were loaded, so Lloyd supposed the real reason the Brown Eyesore was the most popular kid in school was because he was the only one who lived in a mansion.

But Lloyd found the abundance of rooms to be nothing more than a hassle. And the copious amounts of people meandering through the place only added to his headache. White noise made by people talking to and over each other, blaring techno music reverberating off the walls, and junior and seniors alike drinking from crystal glasses filled with multi-colored eggnog (which Lloyd found out was spiked to all hell), made for one annoying-ass party as far as the Green Ninja was concerned.

He had lost track of the others some time ago, though he did spot Kai trailing closely behind Zane as the nindroid went from room to room trying out the eggnog. Kai was probably scared for his boyfriend drinking so much, and was just waiting for the backclash of the effects of the alcohol…if there were going to be any. One thing was for sure, though, Kai wasn't going to leave Zane's side anytime soon.

This was getting ridiculous. They'd been here for almost an hour and still Lloyd found no sign of Brad. But the funny thing was, he definitely saw Chris chatting with Laura Periwinkle over cups of eggnog in some random corner. So what the fuck was going on? Did Brad decide not to come? Or was something else afoot?

Feeling worried, stressed and downtrodden, Lloyd ran a hand through his hair and looked around himself again, thankful that his height allowed him to see over a number of heads. Spying a familiar head of feathery, chestnut brown hair and an orange scarf, he immediately made his way over to Jay.

What he didn't expect to see was his beloved kaasan hovering over a bowl of eggnog and throwing death glares at anyone who ventured too close. Jay's deep blue eyes were now a dark indigo and his freckled cheeks were flushed a deep red.

Oh no… Lloyd stepped quickly through a pair of tipsy seniors and touched Jay's arm. The other flinched violently at being touched and whirled around, eyes flaring a dangerous blue and mouth pulled into a snarl. But upon recognizing his blond charge, he visibly relaxed and grinned sloppily, his eyes returning to that dark indigo.

"Oh, Lloyd… Hvordan går det?" (How goes it?)

Uh oh. Jay was speaking his native language. Although Lloyd wasn't fluent in Norwegian, he at least knew a few conversational phrases thanks to the blue ninja's tutelage.

"I'm fine, Jay. Er…I mean… Det går bra!" (It goes good!)

Jay's sloshed gaze instantly lit up along with his face. "You've been practicing! Oh! I'm so, so proud of you, Lloyd!" With one hand secured around a glass of eggnog, Jay brought the blond close for a hug with his other hand.

Lloyd patted Jay's back a little awkwardly and pulled away to peer at him worriedly. "Jay? Um… Ikke så bra?" (Not so good?)

He probably botched that up, but Jay smiled at him regardless, though this one was degrees more melancholic.

"Bra." (Good.)His tone had gone from elated to watery and Lloyd could easily discern the gathering tears. "Just…trying to forget. Trying to move on…"

"Oh, Jay… Kaasan…" Lloyd really didn't know what to say. Jay was obviously hurting, but what could he do? Well, first thing's first, he had to get Jay away from this bowl of eggnog. Frowning determinedly, he took away the brunet's cup from his almost limp fingers and grabbed his hand. "C'mon, let's get some fresh air."

But Jay resisted and tore his hand out of Lloyd's grasp. "No! I'm fine—it's fine. Brad!" He palmed his eyes to wipe away the tears and probably alcohol as his eyes regained a semblance of clarity, deep blue warring with indigo. "Have you found Brad yet?"

Derailed, Lloyd shook his head. "No, but…"

Jay smiled a familiar, gentle smile. "He's the only reason you're here, right? Focus on that. I…just need some water." He looked away. "Dilute the alcohol."

Consternated, Lloyd's brow furrowed. "Have you…gotten drunk before?"

When Jay said nothing and kept his gaze averted, Lloyd forgot all about Brad. "I'll get you some water," he said, frowning. "Stay here. And don't drink anymore of that, got it?"

Only when Jay nodded did Lloyd allow himself to part away from him in search for the kitchen. It took some more pushing and shoving through the masses, but he finally managed to locate a sparsely populated kitchen on the other side of the room. Grabbing a plastic cup decorated with goofily grinning snowmen, he filled it with tap water and left the kitchen.

He had only made it halfway back to Jay when someone touched him lightly on the shoulder to get his attention. And Lloyd, already ruffled after learning his mother-figure had been resulting to drinking his problems away, turned his head to snap at the unwitting person.

The ferocious "What!?" on his lips instantly caught in his throat at the sight of beautiful albeit angry aquamarine eyes.

"Brad…?"

"Lloyd. I'm sorry, but have you seen Chris? He… I need to talk to him."

He knows my name… Dumbfounded, Lloyd didn't answer right away, instead choosing to drink in the sight of the beautiful boy in front of him.

Brad's long raven hair was braided in a way he had never seen before, the dark tresses interwoven with red and green silk ribbons into one perfect braid that ended with little silver and gold bells. His slender torso was wrapped in a green turtleneck, only the material looked glossy and the shoulders were cut out, exposing a teasing amount of the youth's skin to the world…and to Lloyd's hungry stare. His lower half was encased in white skinny jeans, causing Lloyd to almost have an aneurism at discovering just how lovingly curved the shorter male's hips truly were.

God, Brad was so fuckin' hot!

With his cheeks now painted a solid red and his mouth now slightly agape, Lloyd had to shake himself when Brad cocked a wary eyebrow at him. "Uh…" He cleared his throat and tried again. "I saw him…awhile ago. He wasn't in here but in the next room over that way," he gestured haphazardly towards the exit and connecting hallway off to the right. "Not sure if he's still there, though," he finished lamely.

But Brad still gave him a gorgeous smile. "Thanks," he said simply and left.

Lloyd stared after him for a seemingly long time, even after he lost sight of that nice and plump, peach-shaped ass and swaying, Christmas-oriented braid. It was only when someone rudely bumped into him that he snapped back into focus and continued on his way. But not without throwing a "Fuck you too, dude!" over his shoulder.

When he returned to the bowl of eggnog, he was shocked and dismayed to find Jay nowhere in sight. He jerked his head around frantically, searching for his beloved kaasan, only to find him…standing underneath an archway with a precariously dangling mistletoe overhead…and passionately kissing a shell-shocked Cole.

And why was the mistletoe dangling precariously? Because Zane was the one hanging upside down from the archway and waving it joyously over the two. And Kai was freaking out.

"Oh no…" Lloyd bemoaned miserably.

Author's Note: This is a great party. I'll upload the final part as soon as it's done! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!